GB2577148A

GB2577148A - Fence post

Info

Publication number: GB2577148A
Application number: GB1906646.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Naylor Mark
Original assignee: BJA Trading Ltd
Current assignee: BJA Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-20
Filing date: 2018-07-20
Publication date: 2020-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2038-07-20
Also published as: GB2577148B; GB201906646D0

Abstract

A fence post 10 folded from a single sheet of metal to form opposing longitudinal channels, comprising a central web 12 formed of two layers of the sheet in face to face abutment, first coplanar flanges 14 integrally formed with and extending perpendicularly to the central web, the first flanges being formed of two layers of the sheet in face to face engagement, and second coplanar flanges 18, 20 integrally formed with the central web each formed of a single flat layer of the sheet, and a central exterior minor channel 16 extending between the second flanges. The central exterior channel may be tapered or V-shaped, and have curvate surfaces. At least one of the second flanges may include fastener receiving apertures arranged in longitudinally spaced groups. The lateral extent of the first flanges may be half that of the second flanges. The sheet may have uniform thickness. The sheet may be galvanised steel. The post may be formed by cold-rolling. Also claimed is fence post comprising metal folded into a H-shaped cross section, the central rib of the H comprising a double layer of metal, the post having fixing means for attaching fencing material 24 to the post in use.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

BJA Trading Ltd

Granville House, The Heights Business Park, Ibstone Road, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe, HP14 3BG, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Mark Anthony Naylor (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Albright IP Limited

County House, Bayshill Road, CHELTENHAM, Gloucestershire, GL50 3BA, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2102465 A WO 2011/009204 A1 (58) Field of Search:

Other: WPI, EPODOC (54) Title of the Invention: Fence post

Abstract Title: Fence post formed from a single sheet of folded metal by cold rolling (57) A fence post 10 folded from a single sheet of metal to form opposing longitudinal channels, comprising a central web 12 formed of two layers of the sheet in face to face abutment, first coplanar flanges 14 integrally formed with and extending perpendicularly to the central web, the first flanges being formed of two layers of the sheet in face to face engagement, and second coplanar flanges 18, 20 integrally formed with the central web each formed of a single flat layer of the sheet, and a central exterior minor channel 16 extending between the second flanges. The central exterior channel may be tapered or V-shaped, and have curvate surfaces. At least one of the second flanges may include fastener receiving apertures arranged in longitudinally spaced groups. The lateral extent of the first flanges may be half that of the second flanges. The sheet may have uniform thickness. The sheet may be galvanised steel. The post may be formed by cold-rolling. Also claimed is fence post comprising metal folded into a H-shaped cross section, the central rib of the H comprising a double layer of metal, the post having fixing means for attaching fencing material 24 to the post in use.

FIG. 4

1/3

FIG. 2

2/3

FIG. 4

3/3

FIG. 6

FENCE POST

This disclosure relates generally to fence posts.

Fencing is widely used in commercial and residential settings and may be made from a variety of materials including metal and timber. Timber fencing commonly comprises timber pales that are attached to rails or timber panels, of which there are a variety of different types. Metal fencing may include metal rails, posts and mesh or netting.

All types of fencing materials require a fence post of some type to attach the fencing material to. There are three main types offence post in common usage; namely, timber posts, metal posts and concrete posts. In use, the fence post is fixed into the ground and the fencing material needs to be fixed to the post.

Whilst timber fence posts are generally thought to be more attractive, particularly in a residential setting, they have the disadvantage of decaying and this have a relatively short life. Concrete posts are very heavy and thus difficult to store, handle and use, and can also break quite easily if dropped. Metal fence posts are more durable than wood and less easily damaged than concrete, but can be expensive and heavy. Furthermore, it is more difficult to fix fencing material to a metal post, especially when compared to a timber post.

Over the years many different design of metal fence post has been produced with the aim of addressing some of these problems.

For example, United States patent application no. US2001/0005010 Al discloses a metal fence post having a narrow, substantially U-shaped centre section with two outwardly extending flanges extending therefrom. A series of openings extending vertically along each of the flanges to allow fencing material to be attached to the post.

United Kingdom patent application no. GB 2 387 609 A, relates to a cold rolled metal fence post, having a generally l-shape cross-section, comprising a main web and hollow side walls, with a generally triangular cross-section.

There is a need for fence post that is strong, durable, easily handled and stored and is economically viable. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the fence post contributed to an attractive appearance of the finished fence when in use.

According to the present invention, there is provided a fence post comprising metal folded into a generally H-shaped cross-section, the fence post comprising a central rib that extends longitudinally along a length of the fence post and first and second opposing, and substantially planar, surfaces that extend laterally from the central rib, wherein the central rib comprises a double layer of metal and the fence post further comprises fixing means for attaching fencing material to the fence post in use.

Suitably, the metal sheet is folded such that the central rib and the first surface comprise a double layer of metal. In a preferred embodiment the second surface comprises a first and second, essentially coplanar, flanges extending laterally from opposite sides of the central rib. Whilst the first and second flanges making the second surface of the post could comprise a double thickness of metal, this is not really necessary from a functional point of view. In a preferred embodiment the first and second flanges making up the second surface of the post comprise only a single layer of metal.

The double layer of the central rib is particularly advantageous, because it imparts strength to the fence post and enables the post and fence made using it to withstand greater force in use, especially forces such as wind acting on the side of the fence.

In addition, the double layer of the first surface means that this surface, which essentially functions as a retaining surface, can be narrower. The narrower first surface can be aesthetically pleasing in use, and also reduces the material cost of manufacturing the fence post.

Preferably, the metal is folded in such a way that there is substantially no void between the double layers of the central rib or, if relevant, the double layers of the first surface. Suitably, the folding process involves squeezing together the surfaces of the metal to minimise the void between abutting surfaces. In practice, there may be a small void at the internal corners of the first surface and where the central rib is folded to form the first surface. However, the intention is that these voids should be kept to the minimum possible by the manufacturing technique. There are no fixing means holding the abutting surfaces of the fence post together.

Preferably, the first surface and the second surface of the post, each extend essentially perpendicular to the central rib. Preferably, the first surface and the second surface are substantially parallel to each other.

The central rib, together with the first and second surfaces effectively define two channels on opposing sides of the central rib, within which channels fencing material may be received during use. In a preferred embodiment, these channels have a substantially Ushaped cross section.

In a preferred embodiment the first surface of the fence post is narrower than the second surface of the fence post. Alternatively, the first surface may be the same width as the second surface, or the first surface may be wider than the second surface.

The dimensions of the fencing panel can be chosen to suit the particular type of fence being constructed. For example, for applications for residential fencing, the dimensions of the fence post are chosen to compliment the average dimensions of a fencing panel. For example, the depth of the central rib, should be slightly greater than the thickness of an average fence panel, to allow the panel to be inserted in the channel created between the opposing first and second surface of the fence post, without allowing too much movement of the panel once inserted into the channel. An average panel has a thickness of around 48-50mm, so then the spacing between the first and second opposing surfaces, defined by the depth of the central rib is suitably around 50mm. The minimum separation of the first and second opposing surfaces, as defined by the depth of the central rib, will depend upon the application, but is suitably at least 15mm, such as at least 20mm. The maximum separation of the first and second opposing surfaces, as defined by the depth of the central rib, will also depend upon the application, but is suitably no more than 200mm, such as no more than 150mm. The separation of the first and second opposing surfaces, as defined by the depth of the central rib, may be 25 mm or 50mm or 100mm.

The width of the first and second surfaces should be sufficient to both allow for secure fixing of the fencing material to the fence post and to support the fencing material when in use. For example, the first and second surfaces are suitably at least 10mm wide.

The length of the fence post will also be dictated by the application, and a range of lengths can be provided for different fence heights. For example, the fence post may extend for a length of up to 4.0m and is suitably at least 1.0m in length. The fence post of the present invention may be provided in any standard fence post length, including but not limited to, 1.5m, 1.8m, 2.4m, 2.7m, 3m, 3.3m or 3.6m.

The fixing means suitably comprise fixing holes extending through the full thickness of the metal sheet. The fixing holes are placed at suitable locations to allow fencing material, such as fence panels or fence rails, to be fixed to the fence post in use. Whilst the fixing holes may form a series spaced along the full length of the fence post, in an alternative embodiment a plurality of discrete groups of fixing holes are spaced along the length of the fence post. The fixing holes may be equidistantly spaced from one another. The fixing holes may be arranged linearly along the length of the fence post. The fixing holes may be arranged in one or more rows, that may be staggered, extending along the length of the fence post.

In a preferred embodiment, the fixing holes are located in the flanges making up the second surface of the fence post. In this embodiment the second surface is acting as a fixing surface. In an alternative embodiment, the fixing holes may be located in the first surface of the fence post. Any fixing holes in the first surface of the fence post may be in addition to or alternative to any fixing holes in flanges making up the second surface of the fence post.

The average metal thickness of a single layer of the finished rolled fence post is suitably from 1 to 5mm, preferably from 2-4 mm, most preferably, the a single layer thickness of metal is on average 1.5mm, 2mm or 3.5 mm.

Preferably, the metal is steel. More preferably, the metal is galvanised steel. The metal may be galvanised and powder coated. Suitably, the fence post is made using a cold-rolling process.

Roll Forming is a continuous process for forming sheet, strip or coiled metal stock into long shapes of essentially uniform cross-section. The material is fed through multiple pairs of contoured forming rolls, which progressively shape the metal until the desired crosssection is produced.In use, the fence post of the present invention is fixed in the ground in an upright orientation. The fence post may be fixed in the ground by any suitable means, for example by concrete. The fence panel or fence rail may be inserted into the channel defined by the central rib and the first and second surfaces, on either side of the fence post. Alternatively, the fence panel or fence rail may be attached to the fence post outside the channel defined by the central rib and the first and second opposing surfaces.

Either way, the fence panel or fence rail is then fixed to the fence post through the fixing holes in the fence post, using any suitable fixing means.

A fence post can be provided, comprising a combination of features according to any two or more of the embodiment of the invention.

Example embodiments ofthe invention are hereinbelow described with reference to the appended drawings, of which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of part of section of an example fence post;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A of figure 1;

Fig. 3 shows a partial perspective view of an example fence post in combination with two fence panel section;

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B of figure 3;

Fig 5 shows a fence panel retained between two fence posts, and

Fig 6 shows a fence panel or rail attached to the outside of two fence posts.

With reference to Figs. 1, an example fence post 10 is made from a single length of metal that has been folded into a generally Η-Shaped cross section. The post comprises a central rib, 12, which extends between opposing first and second surfaces, generally designated by reference numerals 14 and 16, respectively.

It can be seen from the figures, in particular figures 2 and 4, that the central rib 12 and the first surface 14, comprise a double thickness of metal, where as the two flanges 18 and 20, forming the second surface 16 comprise only a single thickness of metal.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figures hereof, the first surface 14 is narrower than the opposing second surface 16. The second surface comprises the two flanges 18 and 20.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the first surface may be the same width as the second surface or the second surface may be narrower than the first surface.

As illustrated in figures 1 and 3, the single thickness flanges 18 and 20 comprise a series of fixing holes 22 therein to allow fencing material, such as panels or rails (not shown), to be fixed to the post 10.

In the figures, the fixing holes 22 are shown as being in discrete groups that extend along the length of each flange 18, 20. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) a series of fixing holes could extend along the full length of each flange 18, 20.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the relative positioning of a fence panel 24 relative to the post 10 when in use. It can be seen that the edge 26 of the panels 24 align with the central rib 12 of the fence post 10 in use and the surfaces 28 and 30 of the panels align with the second surface 16 and the first surface 14 of the fence post in use. The panels 24 are fixed to the post 10 using fixings (not show) that extend through the fixing holes 22 in the post 10 into the panel 24. In this embodiment, the first surface 14 functions as a retaining surface and the second surface 16 functions as a fixing surface.

In the embodiment illustrated, the post comprises fixing holes 22 only in the second surface 16 of the post 10. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the post could comprise fixing holes in the first surface of the post, either in addition or instead of the fixing holes in the second surface.

Figure 5 illustrates a fencing panel 24 retained between two fence posts 10. The double layer arrangement of the central rib 12 provides strength to withstand greater forces in the front-back direction illustrated, compared to a similar fence post with only a single layer for the central rib.

Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of use, wherein a fence panel or fence rail attached to the outside of two fence posts 10. It can be seen that the fence panel or fence rail 32 is attached (fixings not shown) to the outside of the second surface 16 of the fence posts 10.

Claims

1. A fence post which is folded from a single metal sheet to form opposing longitudinal channels, the fence post comprising:

a longitudinally-extending central web formed of two layers of said metal sheet in face-to-face abutment or substantial face-to-face abutment, first coplanar flanges which are integrally formed with the central web to extend from a first longitudinal edge thereof and perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly thereto, the first flanges formed of two layers of said metal sheet in face-to-face engagement with each other, one said layer bridging the first longitudinal edge of the central web, second coplanar flanges which are integrally formed with the central web to extend from a second longitudinal edge which opposes the first longitudinal edge of the central web, the second flanges each formed of a single flat layer of said metal sheet, and a central exterior channel which extends longitudinally between the second coplanar flanges at or adjacent to the second longitudinal edge of the central web.

2. A fence post as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central exterior channel is tapered.

3. A fence post as claimed in claim 2, wherein said central exterior channel is V-shaped or substantially V-shaped.

4. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said central exterior channel has curvate surfaces.

5. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said central exterior channel extends along a full longitudinal extent of the fence post.

6. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said central exterior channel is aligned with an interface between the two layers of the central web.

7. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the second flanges includes at least one fastener receiving aperture.

8. A fence post as claimed in claim 7, wherein the or each second flange includes a plurality of said fastener receiving apertures.

9. A fence post as claimed in claim 8, wherein said plurality of fastener receiving apertures are arranged in a plurality groups of apertures which are longitudinally spaced apart.

10. A fence post as claimed in anyone of claims 7 to 9, wherein the or each fastener receiving aperture is closer to an outside edge of the flange than the central web.

11. A fence post as claimed in anyone of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first flange has a shorter lateral extent than a lateral extent of the second flange.

12. A fence post as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lateral extent of the first flange is half or substantially half of the lateral extent of the second flange so that a weight of the fence post is evenly or substantially evenly distributed in at least one direction of the fence post.

13. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of said single metal sheet is uniform or substantially uniform.

14. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a thickness of said single metal sheet is 1.5 mm or is substantially 1.5 mm.

15. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are no fixing means holding the two layers of the central web together.

16. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fence post consists of a single sheet of metal.

17. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising galvanised steel.

18. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fence post is formed via a cold-rolling process.

19. A fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the opposing longitudinal channels are square bottomed or substantially square bottomed.

20. A method of forming a fence post as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising folding a single sheet of metal to form a central web of two layers of said metal sheet in face-to-face abutment or substantial face-to-face abutment, first coplanar flanges which are integrally formed with the central web to extend from a first longitudinal edge thereof and perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly thereto, the first flanges formed of two layers of said metal sheet in face-to-face engagement with each other, one said layer bridging the first longitudinal edge of the central web, second coplanar flanges which are integrally formed with the central web to extend from a second longitudinal edge which opposes the first longitudinal edge of the central web, the second flanges each formed of a single flat layer of said metal sheet, and a central exterior channel which extends longitudinally between the second coplanar flanges at or adjacent to the second longitudinal edge of the central web.

21. A fence post comprising metal folded into a generally H-shaped cross-section, the fence post comprising a central rib that extends longitudinally along a length of the fence post and first and second opposing, and substantially planar, surfaces that extend laterally from the central rib, wherein the central rib comprises a double layer of metal and the fence post further comprises fixing means for attaching fencing material to the fence post in use.

22. A fence post as claimed in claim 21, in which the first surface comprises a double layer of metal.

23. A fence post as claimed in claim 21 or 22, in which the fixing means for attaching fencing material to the fence post in use are located in the second surface of the fence post.

24. A fence post as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23, wherein the metal is folded in such a manner that there is essentially no void between abutting surfaces.

25. A fence post as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the central rib, together with the first and second opposing surfaces define two channels on opposing sides of the central rib.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as followed:

a longitudinally-extending central web formed of two layers of said metal sheet in face-to-face abutment or substantial face-to-face abutment, first coplanar flanges which are integrally formed with the central web to extend from a first longitudinal edge thereof and perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly thereto, the first flanges formed of two layers of said metal sheet in face-to-face engagement with each other, one said layer bridging the first longitudinal edge of the central web, second coplanar flanges which are integrally formed with the central web to extend from a second longitudinal edge which opposes the first longitudinal edge of the central web, the second flanges each formed of a single flat layer of said metal sheet, and a central exterior minor channel which extends longitudinally between the second coplanar flanges at or adjacent to the second longitudinal edge of the central web.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1906646.3